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Birmingham-Southern College

Birmingham, AL·Private nonprofit·713 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 713 students.

52%
Accept
713
Students
$23,351
Net Price
64%
Grad Rate
$53,100
Earnings
10 yr
$16,000
Debt

About This School

Birmingham-Southern College is a private nonprofit institution located in Birmingham, Alabama with approximately 713 undergraduate students enrolled. Birmingham-Southern College has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 52%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,351 per year. The graduation rate is 64%, and the typical graduate earns $53,100 within 10 years of enrollment.

Birmingham–Southern College (BSC) was a private liberal arts college in Birmingham, Alabama. Founded in 1856, the college was affiliated with the United Methodist Church and was accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The college's student body was approximately 975 students when it closed at the end of the 2023–24 school year after years of financial trouble.

Important note for any family researching this school: Birmingham-Southern College permanently closed at the end of the 2023–24 academic year following prolonged financial difficulties, so it is no longer an option for prospective students. If you were drawn to its small liberal arts environment and the relatively modest median debt of $16,000, you'll want to redirect that search toward comparable small liberal arts colleges that remain financially stable and accredited.

Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing32%
Psychology12%
Health Professions12%
Biological Sciences6%
Social Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Computer Science4%
English3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1197
Reading 75th %ile670
Math 75th %ile670

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite25

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$22,750
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,750
Avg Net Price
$23,351
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$16,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
64%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,100
after enrollment
Median Debt
$16,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$16,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$53,100
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White70%
Black16%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (713 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Birmingham-Southern College

900 Arkadelphia Road

Birmingham, AL 35254

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Alabama

Browse all Alabama schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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